Strong interpersonal skills create more satisfying interactions in all environments. Developing good skills for interacting with people requires building strong relationships, demonstrating ethical behavior, clear communication, and effective teamwork. Here are some strategies for developing interpersonal skills.
Steps
Step 1. Identify interpersonal skills that need development
Think back on your life, there may have been times when a conflict led to the breakup of a relationship or a lack of communication led to you missing an opportunity. Identifying these experiences assists you in pinpointing interpersonal goals. You may decide to become a better listener and practice a clearer and more truthful expression of your feelings.
Step 2. Focus on building harmonious relationships
If your personal relationships are short-lived or work relationships are cold and distant, aim for cultivating the qualities necessary for healthy bonds.
- Practice empathy. Putting yourself in another person's shoes allows you to see things from a different perspective. When people feel understood, they tend to be less combative, which leads to greater understanding and unity.
- Include others. At home, at work, at community gatherings, or social events, practice to help people feel included. Avoid engaging in behaviors that exclude others or make them feel like strangers.
- Practice loyalty. If you tend to take more than give in relationships, try being more generous. For example, if a friend or partner always accompanies you to events you like, reciprocate by doing the same for them.
- Inspire confidence. Relationships are more stable if the people involved in the relationship trust each other. Observe the commitments made and the confidences made to you to build trust.
Step 3. Communicate clearly and carefully
Strong communication skills involve close listening and clear self-expression, whether the exchange is in person, over the phone, or in writing.
- Listen carefully. Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings. Listening to others helps to clarify the lack of communication. As people speak, focus on their words, their tone of voice and their body language to gradually pick up the true message they want to convey.
- Speak clearly. In some cases, such as at a business meeting, you may need to speak concisely and get straight to the point. In a conversation with a family member, effective communication might involve engaging with one's feelings and giving examples. Each situation is different, but the ultimate goal is to use language that is clear, respectful and effective to convey the correct message.
- Practice good judgment in written communications. A sense of humor is not always understood properly in written texts and can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings. As if that weren't enough, without providing a broader tone of voice or context, words in written communications can seem cold, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues. Consider talking about critical topics in person.
Step 4. Examine personal ethics
People tend to trust those who are self-aware and who do not abuse their power. Practice integrity in your relationships by examining the impact of your behaviors and decisions on others.
Step 5. Play as a team
When you work with others, aim for reciprocation to involve everyone's collaboration and commitment. Examine negative tendencies that lead to dominating situations or criticizing others. Praise your peers for a job well done and be open to receiving compliments.
Step 6. Resolve Conflicts
Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of life. Diversity of opinions, points of view and ideas can be enriching. When perspectives collide with each other, try to understand the views of others and avoid thinking in absolute terms. In most cases, it may be necessary not to dwell on minor issues and discussions.
